Jersey City, NJ vs Paterson, NJ: Cost of Living Comparison
Paterson has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Jersey City | Paterson | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 133 | 95 | Paterson |
| Housing | 154 ($1,331) | 96 ($1,020) | Paterson |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 113 ($3.50) | Jersey City |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 72 ($295) | Paterson |
| Utilities | 127 ($277) | 98 ($173) | Paterson |
| Healthcare | 127 ($200) | 98 ($125) | Paterson |
| Median annual wage | 121 ($58,570) | 121 ($58,570) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jersey City, NJ or Paterson, NJ cheaper to live in?
Paterson, NJ is cheaper overall by about 38 index points (Jersey City, NJ: 133, Paterson, NJ: 95; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Jersey City, NJ vs Paterson, NJ?
A single adult needs roughly $46,550/year in Jersey City, NJ and $33,250/year in Paterson, NJ to cover basic living costs.